Remember the words I spoke to you: “No servant is greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.  John 15:20-21

One of the most surprising facts that people learn about the Christian faith, is that obedience does not equal a comfortable life. Jesus says in Matthew 10, that he did not come to bring peace. He came to bring a sword.  God never promised that we would have it easy in this world. Some of God’s most obedient followers have been imprisoned, tortured and have even forfeited their lives because of their allegiance to Christ.

Most Christ-followers today will not lose their life for faithful obedience. The costs are often more subtle. You may have to sacrifice some social events in order to attend church, or give of your time to volunteer serving others instead of serving your own wants and needs. But these are small inconveniences compared to the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made on the cross. 

Don’t let minor sacrifices keep you from focusing on the bigger picture. Consider what the Bible says. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus sacrificed his life because of the blessings on the other side of the cross. What are you holding on to, instead of sacrificing it so that you can experience the joy of a much bigger blessing?

Lord, thank you for your ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Because of your endless love for me, I am able to be a part of something bigger than myself. Give me the strength and courage I need to sacrifice my self-serving desires so that I can be fully obedient to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.